• BC Christian News • MARCH ISSUE 1999 • VOL. 19 #3 • Formerly "Christian Info News" •

B.C. fertile ground for worshipful music
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By David F. Dawes

BRITISH COLUMBIA'S Christian community is a hotbed of original music. Many of the CDs released are in the praise and worship vain, but the influences are all over the map, from alternative rock to country, southern gospel and classical. Following are some of the more recent offerings.

• Thirsty: Changing, Quenched Music,1998.

What's the younger generation coming to? Jesus, it appears.

"Spirit of God I hear your call!" pleads an ardent voice at the beginning of this album; and that poignant urgency characterizes the rest of this stunning recording. Raging guitars and sustained fervor are the order of the day for this extraordinary Langley band; it reminds me of Delirious? - but turned up several notches on the worship-o-meter.

There is real spiritual insight in the lyrics, and some nice creative touches: 'Persevere' pauses in the midst of unbridled intensity to give us the sound of running water; and the album ends with lead singer Tim Lindberg imploring God a cappella as the sound fades out.

The melodic lines of a few songs sound a bit too similar; but in a way, that's irrelevant, because this is such a well-played, powerful album, always engaging and often deeply moving. It's refreshing to hear a youthful band that is so skilled, committed and passionate about their faith; evangelism in B.C., it seems, is in good hands.

A note about the striking cover image: the thirsty soul digging for water is retired pastor Tom Mercer, grandfather of two of the band member, Tim and Stephen Lindberg, and a stalwart friend and prayer partner of our newspaper.

Call (604) 534-9471.

• Isaiah 55: Three Years Later, Kurious Entertainment, 1998.

Clocking in at just over 25 minutes, this is one of the very best pieces of Christian worship rock to come out of the B.C. scene - and these days, that's saying a lot. This Surrey band is based out of Pete's Place, a youth ministry of Southside Community Church.

The husky strength of vocalist Craig Bosnick grounds the clear and penetrating harmonies of Annie Toth; the mix is irresistible, and carries a deep emotional impact.

Most of the material is electric; a change to acoustic at the end provides a fine showcase for Toth's superb singing. 'Revival Generation?' features a rapt monologue describing the peace promised by God, which ends with a lovely four-part harmony and then a fervent plea to Jesus: "Make us a revival generation." If enough people hear CDs with this kind of impact, he just might!

Call (604) 522-5801.

• Leora Cashe: Tears of Joy, Birth Records, 1999.

This top-flight Vancouver-based performer has given us a refreshingly different gospel album, ranging through jazz, funk, blues and black gospel stylings - sometimes effortlessly combining all four in one song!

All the songs were co-authored by Cashe and her husband Jaye Krebs, who also produced the album, provided the clever art design, and played several instruments.

'The River' is a stirring anthem of encouragement; 'Dry Ground' celebrates the parting of the Red Sea with a driving, almost country feel; 'He is the Bridge' is an exuberant tribute to Jesus, ending in a gospel rave-up. 'The House' is conceptually brilliant; it begins and ends with the sound of kids in a playground, and the gentle feel of the song hauntingly underlines its subject matter: a battered child. 'Barbecue,' a droll song about gossip, features a dynamic horn section and infectious beat. This tune, as well as 'Three Times,' 'The House' and 'Call on God,' features multiple layers of impeccable female harmonies - all provided by Cashe.

And that is the heart and soul of the album - Cashe's wonderful singing. She has a range of several octaves, and bends notes with marvellous flexibility. This is a magnificent vocal talent, on the order of Sarah MacLachlan or Ann Mortifee - fresh, passionate, and unique.

Contact (604) 736-1317 or www.LeoraCashe.com

• The Doxa Band: Spiritflow, Shikina Publishing, 1998.

A worthy follow-up to this Abbotsford band's first effort, One By One, this is another bracing collection of heartfelt, thought-provoking songs. Once again, the focus is on the considerable talents of lead vocalist and songwriter Vijay Manuel, a high school music teacher who leads youth-oriented evening services weekly at Central Heights Church.

'With You' has a deceptively slow start, which soon kicks into drum/guitar overdrive; 'Raise the Flag' conveys an exuberant joy; 'Bless Our Closeness' is a duet between Manuel and Marrilee Erickson which touchingly expresses the yearning for a God-centred marriage; and 'My Belief' alternates downright crunchy guitar breaks with tight passages of fine harmonies. At its best, Doxa just plain rawks! (and Jesus roolz!).

Contact (604) •••-••••; or e-mail doxa@mindless.com

• Ed King: Just As I Am, 1998.

A wise man knows that bag-pipes should be used in moderation or not at all; Ed King knows that - and he obviously knows the Lord, judging by his songwriting.

In this troubadour's gently stalwart singing, you can hear the 40-plus years he has performed in countless low-profile venues; with a voice both rough as tree bark and smooth as carved wood, King gives us a breath of fresh Nashville air, via Creston.

The aforementioned tasteful use of the Scottish torture device occurs at the beginning and finale of 'Amazing Grace,' bookending King's fine

rendition of the classic.

His own classic is 'The Mountain,' which combines a lovely evocation of creation with a poetic image of Jesus waiting at the end of our obstacles. The spirited backing fiddler and steel guitarist could give them good ol' Nashville cats a run for their money. Darn fine!

The cover, which features King's Down's Syndrome granddaughter and the title Just as I Am, speaks for itself.

Call (250) 489-5180.

• Bill Olsen: Like a Banner, Middlecross Music, 1998.

From a no-nonsense beginning, with the powerful, anthemic 'Forever You'll Reign,' Olsen shifts into the equally high-energy, celebratory 'The River is Here,' by Andy Park. These songs pretty much set the tone for the whole CD.

Olsen is a worship leader, and it shows; he is in fine voice throughout, passionate without being overbearing. The material was recorded live at Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Armstrong (which is more or less between Kelowna and Kamloops); it includes a segment of preaching which reinforces the impact of the music.

Several songs were written by Olsen, including the title tune, and 'Day By Day,' 'I'll Let My Heart Sing' and 'Let Your Glory Fall.' This is a fine worship album.

Call (250) 546-3818.

• Kathleen: Watchful Eyes, 1999.

This superlative album from Penticton's Kathleen Knorr is the singer /songwriter's second recording. Her first, Going on a Journey,was a self-produced cassette recorded in Nanaimo; on Watchful Eyes, she has graduated to a Nashville studio.

Knorr is a skilful vocalist with a distinctive style which balances control and emotion effectively; her lyrics are first-rate, and mostly Bible-based. Among the highlights are strong, rock-based tunes such as 'No Small Wonder,' 'Talk to Me' and 'One Heart, One Soul, One Mind.'

The standout is a new version of a selection from her first album. Based on John 19:26-27, 'Still My Little Boy' portrays Mary coming to grips with the crucifixion of Jesus, and her bewilderment when he declares that John is now her son. The chorus is simple, but powerful: "Why did he let them take him away? Didn't he know it broke my heart to see him die that day?" The insight and impact of the song is heart wrenching; it is a modern Christian classic, and deserves to be heard everywhere.

Call (250) 490-8838.

• Bert Petkau: Soldier Boy, 1998.

This promising Abbotsford musician offers a heartfelt collection of Christ-centred songs. Most of the unadorned, faith-based lyrics are by Petkau, with some collaborations with his wife Teresa, and producer Chris Janz. No doubt they have been polished during his time as worship leader with Valley Christian Fellowship and, since last fall, with Pacific Community Church in Surrey.

'Desires of My Soul' emulates the style and tone of the Song of Songs, to evoke the longing of the believer for the presence of Christ; 'Let Your Glory Fall' is a fine worship song, worthy to stand with the best of the Vineyard recordings; 'Jesus Reign,' a simple declaration of faith, features an outstanding guest vocal by the song's writer, Rosemary Reuss; and 'Your Wonders' employs intense vocals, a driving beat and a flaming guitar solo to convey a joyful, awestruck celebration of God's glory as seen in the creation.

At times inspiring, Petkau presents his straightforward, unpretentious compositions with sensitive singing that reflects an obvious and touching sincerity.

Call (604) 852-8223.

• Canterbury: Music at St. Augustine's 1998, St. Augustine's, 1998.

Dedicated to St. Augustine of Canterbury, this CD features the talents of various members of St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Vancouver. There are several soloists, as well as the parish choir, a children's choir and the St. Augustine's School Teachers' Choir.

Canterbury is a fund-raising project for the church's new parish centre. It was overseen by Peter Allen, an organist and choir director at the church, who also composes film soundtracks.

The music is well-performed, and features an eclectic mix, ranging from classical to folk; selections include: 'How Beautiful,' by Twila Paris; John Michael Talbot's 'Holy is His Name'; Franz Schubert's 'Ave Maria'; and 'What a Sea of Tears and Sorrows,' by Charles Gounod.

The highlight is 'Song to Our Lady of Guadalupe'; while some listeners might find the song's exaltation of the Virgin excessive, it does not undermine the sense of reverence for God, and Theresa Kitchen's performance is absolutely exquisite.

Call (604) 736-4455.

• World Harvest Church: In Christ I Live, 1997.

This is a collection of original worship songs composed and performed by members of Richmond's World Harvest Church, Peter Brown, Don Sparman (who pastors the church with his wife Doreen), Daryl Pierce, Erin Ursel, Roy and Jacqui Oostergo. The band provides solid backing to great effect, notably on the spirited 'You Are, You Are.'

Several of the tunes favor the use of tight group vocals with multiple harmonies; this is especially effective on 'The Lord is My Shepherd.' A superb female soloist is featured on 'Jesus, Jesus'; and 'All in All' deftly combines sections of group vocalizing, a female duet and another outstanding female solo.

The high point of the album is the beautiful 'Into the Deep,' by Doreen Sparman. The song begins and ends with the sound of ocean waves; the effect could have been corny, but it somehow works, creating a lovely atmosphere for the male/female duet. The result is an instant worship classic. Overall, an excellent effort.

Call (604) 271-4250.

• Billy Bennett: Closer Home, Heavenly Hits, 1998.

Once known as 'Canada's Gospel Crooner,' Bennett has gone south on his latest CD - to southern gospel, that is.

Based in Surrey, Bennett has sung on a variety of TV and radio broadcasts, and issued several albums. His vocals are easy-going and assured, and he has chosen material that is scripturally solid and edifying.

Some compositions are by Ashley and Alistair Milne - two of the three brothers better know as The Suspenders; they also contribute instrumental backing and backup vocals.

Vocal accompaniment is also provided by the ever-listenable Betty McDaniel, whose lovely 'Song of the Saved' is one of the better songs; the song has a special meaning to Bennett, as it was inspired by his wife's Christian testimony.

Call (604) 431-6222.

• Echo of the Spirit: Plant a Dream,1998.

From far-flung Fruitvale comes a bouquet of original tunes by this female trio. The pleasant, unassuming low-key country gospel sound is not particularly challenging, musically; but that clearly is not this group's priority. What they deliver is a genuine sense of the reassurance inspired by faith.

The songs are dominated by excellent harmonizing, with the occasional solo line. The charmingly hokey 'Get Outta Here' has the funniest rhyme since Leonard Cohen paired "hallelujah" with "what's it to ya"; the chorus describes the money changers in the temple thusly: "They did as they pleases / Until they heard Jesus."

At times the humor is unintentional, as in this description of John the Baptist in 'Someone is Shouting': "He ate wild honey and locusts / [He] was a man of simple taste."

Overall, the songs are sincere and comforting homilies, providing an enjoyable listen which succeeds on its own unpretentious terms.

Call (250) 367-9088.

For those who want to know more about the B.C. Christian music scene, check out the releases discussed on our website (www.bcchristiannews.org)